Visual analogue scale assessment of respiration might be a surrogate for spirometry in allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR) may be frequently associated with or precede asthma. Bronchial involvement in AR is usually detected by spirometry, however, spirometers are rarely available. The aim of this study is to verify the suitability of the use of visual analogue scales (VAS) as a surrogate for screening spirometry in assessing respiration in AR patients. One hundred twenty patients with allergic rhinitis were studied. VAS for respiration assessment and spirometry were performed in all patients. There was a significant, though weak, relationship between VAS assessment of respiration and FEV₁ (p=0.0076; r=0.244). In conclusion, this preliminary study suggests the use of VAS as screening to assess the respiration of patients with allergic rhinitis who may be candidates for spirometry.